After serving five years in active duty in the military, Harvey Letherman spent his career in management and engineering, working for major companies like John Deere and Toyota. But after years in the corporate grind, Letherman knew he wanted to do something more meaningful. Driven by a desire to help others, particularly seniors, he found the perfect fit in Seniors Helping Seniors®, the in-home care franchise that offers seniors the life-affirming connection and companionship they need to thrive. 

With a focus on connecting loving, caring, active seniors with seniors who have difficulties with activities of daily living, Letherman is excited to launch his Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise of the Quad Cities in September 2024. His mission is simple: to help seniors live independently while growing a business that truly makes a difference in his community.

1851 Franchise spoke with Letherman to hear more about his background, his journey to franchising and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Harvey Letherman: I was in management and engineering, working for large companies like John Deere and Raymond Corporation, a subsidiary of Toyota. What led me to look into franchising was that I was tired of the corporate world. I wanted to get out on my own and find something that would really allow me to help people.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Letherman: A franchise recruiter reached out to me, and we narrowed it down to 10 or so franchises. Seniors Helping Seniors® was a no-brainer for me because it makes complete sense, and it’s a win-win.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Letherman: It just clicked and made sense to me when I found Seniors Helping Seniors®. There are a lot of retired people who still need to work to maintain income levels prior to retirement or just to stay engaged. They have all this free time and want something extra to do, and there are so many seniors who need help. Tying those two groups together really made sense to me.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Letherman: My goal is really just to help our seniors live independently. As far as the business, I want to continue to grow it, but it’s more about helping the seniors. They really go hand in hand — the bigger the business gets, the more seniors we are helping.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Letherman: I am an Army veteran; I served five years active duty and was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.  My wife and I both have cared for senior family members and understand the toll it can take on a family.  Recently my wife’s grandfather who lives in California was hospitalized with COVID and pneumonia.  When he was released he was isolated and needed help with daily living activities.  He was fortunate to find a home near other family members and is getting the assistance he needs.  Senior care affects us all in some way, let’s make it a positive way! 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Letherman: It’s a long setup process, particularly in states requiring licensing, so get started as soon as possible.  Just stay focused and motivated, it’s definitely worth it in the end.

ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS®

Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After Kiran moved to the U.S. in 1995 and married her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding homecare provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors® locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors® service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® network has grown to 200-plus locations, 125 franchise partners in 30-plus states and international markets. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.